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Texas whitewater - Devils River, Val Verde County
Val Verde
county,
SH 163 to Rough Canyon Marina section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.
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CLASS II+(IV) 47 miles
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Dear Paddler,
In reference to your note to 'land owner', your reference to the 'first cut-second cut' as it relates to the boundries seperating 'state property' from 'private property' are ostensibily incorrect. What is known as 'the meanders' or where the water 'touches the dry surface' is the boundry is described. There are two types of navigable streams exist in Texas: navigable in law and
navigable in fact. According to the Texas Natural Resources Code, a stream is considered navigable in law when it retains an average width of 30 feet from |
its mouth upward
[Section 21.001(3)]. According to Texas case law, a stream is considered navigable in fact when it can be used for the customary modes of trade and travel. The gradient boundary line determines where the stream bed ends
and private ownership begins. Briefly
| stated, the line is midway between the lower level of the water flow that just touches the cut bank and the higher level that just overtops
the cut bank. This line is known as the 'meanders' which is based upon the seasonal flow of the stream. In times of adequate rain-fall the stream bed would be higher and increase the width of the state property line, in times of short rain fall the reverse is true. The line is not apparent on most Texas streams. (I did look it up). In terms of the complaint of Mr. Landowner, I own land in Kerrville on the Guadalupe, | |
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and though I would never discourage portage, people seem to think it is okay to camp on my land, leave their beer cans, used diapers and trash, either on my property or in our stream bed. And as there are fewer of us than you, it would be thought prudent to be concerned, as so
many of the non land owner type don't really care what they leave behind.
Says IZSM
Thank you landowner, we know that. We also know where State of Texas property ends, and your private property begins. Apparently most of you landowners do not. Bear this in mind: we
do not strive or intend to break the law. If we leave the area that is 1/2 way between the 1st and 2nd cut bank (Texas law--look it up) there is a darn good reason for it. What, do you think we are going to load up one of your cattle, and paddle away with it? As far as leaving
stuff behind, I will bet that we leave an area cleaner than when we found it (at least I do). I'l bet the 'crap' you pick up has been washed down stream. Why are you intent on (to the point of opening fire on paddlers, this is well known) no one paddling the river? I hope you check
this page, and respond. Says Paddler
The Devils River flows through private property on both sides. If you step out of the river and are caught you will be charged for trespassing. The precedent has been set in the courts. You must camp within the confines of the river
banks. Says landowner
The nature scenery of Texas and the playfulness of the water have people coming here. The starting location is a short drive from Del Rio, there's a road map further down the page with more info on that. A stretch this long is of course too much for
a one day trip, perfect for a real wilderness adventure. There aren’t any hotels right nearby but if you're willing to drive a short distance then no problem and if you make reservations in advance you're all set. Whether you're whitewater rafting or kayaking around here you won't
find a large number of other spots. The SH 163 to Rough Canyon Marina stretch is the only paddling stretch along Devils River. The SH 163 to Rough Canyon Marina stretch of Devils River in Texas is 47 miles long and is rated by American Whitewater as a class II+(IV) section. A bit
of exercise and just being out on the river for a while have people coming from far and near. You can pitch a tent or park your RV at a nearby campground.
Briefly about the general area:
Take a hike on the Seminole Canyon State Park Trail. For the period of the warmest
time of the year highs here at Devils River reach the 90's, and the nighttime is quite chillier of course, regularly in the 70's. The wintertime comes with highs in the 60's, and night lows all through the winter for Devils River tend to be in the 30's. It is very dry here at Devils River frequently; September is when you get the most rain here, and January meanwhile is the driest month.
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Devils River, SH 163 to Rough Canyon Marina road map
Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.
QUICK STATS
AW Class:
II+(IV)
Length:
47
miles
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Putin Location Coordinates:
Latitude: 29.95277
Longitude: -101.13611
Takeout Location Coordinates:
Latitude: 29.57888
Longitude: -100.98362
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Paddler input for Devils River, Texas:
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All Texas Whitewater
Complete list of all the whitewater paddling spots in Texas.
Books about whitewater paddling on Devils River, Texas
List of books from Amazon.com that cover whitewater paddling on Devils River, Texas.
Find a whitewater outfitter in Texas
Whitewater Basics
If you're new to whitewater paddling please take a look at this basic whitewater info.
Outdoors Recreation Near Del Rio, Texas
Very comprehensive list of a variety of outdoors recreation in the vicinity of Del Rio, Texas, the metro area neareast to Devils River. Find info on campgrounds, hiking trails, ski resorts, lakes, beaches, parks, whitewater and more.
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| These outdoors activities are available near Devils River. |
| | Hotels Near Devils River:
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Days Inn and Suites Del Rio, Del Rio
, 24 miles away |
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Comfort Inn & Suites, Del Rio
, 24 miles away |
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Ramada - Del Rio, Del Rio
, 25 miles away |
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La Quinta Inn Del Rio, Del Rio
, 25 miles away |
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Americas Best Value Inn, Del Rio
, 25 miles away |
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24 miles away
24 miles away
